The Hindu Business Line : `Sagar Mala project may spur minor ports' development'

THE launch of the Sagar Mala project by the Union Government has kindled hopes for renewed investments in the minor ports of Kerala as these ports enjoy the advantage of being close to international sea routes, Capt P. Jai Prakash, Director of Ports, Kerala Government, has said.

Considering Kerala's unique location, he said the State Government has outlined certain strategic measures under Sagar Mala project to tap the potential cargo. The basic principles framed under the project for the development of minor ports are: interests of consumers, qualitative and quantitative improvement by competitions, public-private partnership and promotion and integration of costal shipping and international shipping.

Speaking at a recent seminar here, the Port Director said the State Government has now identified seven minor ports for development in the first phase with private participation. They are Azhikkal, Beypore, Ponnani, Kodungallur, Alappuzha, Thankassery and Vizhinjam.

At present only the ports of Azhikkal, Beypore and Vizhinjam handle cargo while some of the other ports get occasional calls of cruise vessels.

Though the State has 17 intermediate minor ports besides the major port of Kochi, Capt Prakash pointed out that most of these ports had over the years fallen into disuse since they have been unable to catch up on to the improved cargo handling methods.

Moreover, the State Government with its financial constraints was not able to make sufficient investments in these ports. It is hoped that with the coming up of these ventures, there would be a spread of economic activities to all regions of the State. Besides, it is also proposed to establish a maritime training institute in the State, he said.

He pointed out that the booming Indian sea borne trade would face port capacity shortage in the coming years since the ports being the sea-land interface have an important role to play in the international supply chain network. Asian economies are poised to have high and sustainable growth and its share of goods loaded and unloaded was 31.30 per cent and 20.60 per cent respectively. About 90 per cent of India's foreign trade by volume is handled through ports.

Referring to Azhikkal port, Capt Prakash said the State Government has commenced construction of a breakwater at an investment of Rs 16 crore so as to transform it into all-weather harbour. It is a riverine port situated at the confluence of Valapattanam and Mattul rivers. It has a large basin area and considerable land is available for development.

At present it has a single RCC wharf and caters to needs of coastal and sailing vessels transporting goods such as plywood, tiles and other general cargo. The Lakshadweep Administration has been accorded permission to set up a captive berth in the port and also proposed to set up a ship repair facility.